BASSETERRE – Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago expressed relief and offered prayers for U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, following a chaotic security breach where an armed man stormed the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C.
The Prime Minister joined other regional leaders, including Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, in condemning the violence that erupted Saturday night at the Washington Hilton. A gunman, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, reportedly charged toward the ballroom armed with guns and knives, prompting Secret Service agents to open fire in a subterranean lobby filled with thousands of guests.
“The swift action of the United States Secret Service in apprehending the shooter is commendable, and I extend my best wishes to the injured officer,” Persad-Bissessar stated via her “X” social media account. “I note with concern that this is yet another attempt targeting President Trump, and I pray for his continued safety.”
The incident sent shockwaves through the event—an annual celebration of journalism—as guests dived under tables upon hearing gunfire just outside the ballroom. President Trump was uninjured and was quickly rushed off stage by security detail. One Secret Service officer was struck in a bullet-resistant vest during the encounter but is expected to recover.
Guyanese President Dr. Irfaan Ali also issued a statement of solidarity, noting he was “deepely concerned” by the shooting. “We condemn all acts of violence and stand in solidarity with the people of the United States at this time,” Ali said.
Hours after the attack, a safe and uninjured President Trump addressed the situation from the White House. Still dressed in his tuxedo, he praised the security response and characterized the suspect as a “lone wolf.”
“When you’re impactful, they go after you. When you’re not impactful, they leave you alone,” Trump told reporters.
The suspect, who was reportedly a registered guest at the hotel, faces multiple charges including assaulting an officer with a deadly weapon. The breach has raised immediate questions regarding security protocols at high-profile Washington events, particularly as this marked the first time during his presidency that Trump had attended the dinner.
Persad-Bissessar emphasized her rejection of all attacks on democratic institutions, stating, “My thoughts are with those affected and traumatized by this incident.”